Welcome to NASIOC - The world's largest online community for Subaru enthusiasts!

Welcome to the NASIOC.com Subaru forum.

You are currently viewing our forum as a guest, which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our community, free of charge, you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is free, fast and simple, so please join our community today!

If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact us.

Now that the new 2020 Subaru Legacy sedan is here, you can probably guess what's coming next: a redesigned Subaru Outback wagon. Subaru spokesperson Dominick Infante confirmed to C/D at the 2019 Chicago auto show that we can expect to see the new Outback later this year. And given that the Outback and the Legacy have always shared basics such as platforms and powertrains, we can assume that most of the new Legacy sedan's specs will carry over to its crossover-ized wagon counterpart, which should look much like our illustration (above).

The biggest change for the new Outback, then, will be its new underpinnings. It will shift to the same new global platform as the Legacy, which promises increased rigidity, sharper handling, and improved refinement. A turbocharged Outback also seems a sure bet to return to the lineup, replacing the old six-cylinder Legacy 3.6R; similar to the Legacy, it's likely be called the Outback XT and use the same turbocharged 260-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine first introduced in the Ascent three-row SUV. A mostly carryover 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 182 horsepower will remain the base engine, and all-wheel drive and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) will be standard on all models.

Otherwise, the new Outback should come with a vibe similar to what it has always had, retaining its rugged image and practical mien. Essentially a lifted Legacy wagon, it will promise extra ground clearance, additional body cladding, and far more cargo space thanks to its wagon silhouette. The biggest change on the inside will be the same giant new touchscreen as found in the Legacy, measuring 11.6 inches and using a vertically oriented layout. Subaru's EyeSight bundle of active-safety features should be standard, as it is on the Legacy.

More information should trickle out about the new Subaru Outback over the next few months ahead of its official debut. The new Legacy goes on sale this fall, so expect to see the Outback arrive in showrooms sometime near the end of 2019.

There are significant changes coming on the all-new 2020 Subaru Outback. Check out five reasons why you should wait for the new model.

The Subaru Outback wagon is still selling better than all other nameplates in the brand’s stable without a remodel. But changes are coming soon and the top-selling Outback gets a complete remodel for its fifth-generation model. Look for the all-new Outback to show up next summer 2019 as a 2020 model year. There are some significant changes coming on the newly-remodeled 2020 Outback SUV/Crossover.

A new modular chassis

When the sixth-generation 2020 Outback arrives next year, it will grow in the interior room because of the new Subaru Global Platform (SGP) offering a modular chassis. Like the new-generation Crosstrek and Forester underpinnings, the new SGP will come with increased rigidity in the body and chassis translating to improvements in ride quality and handling, in addition to less noise and vibration in the cabin. This could be a good reason to wait another year if you are considering the Outback.

Subaru will ax the 3.6R trim

When the new-generation Outback arrives next year, it will likely feature a new direct injection four-cylinder engine with improved power and fuel efficiency and look for Subaru to drop the 3.6R trim with a six-cylinder option. Why is the 3.6-liter engine in Outback going away? It’s because of the tighter fuel-mileage and emissions regulations around the globe. Automakers need to downsize engines and make them cleaner burning for the new California and European regs. But it’s not such a bad thing for consumers.

Subaru’s newly developed four-cylinder turbocharged direct-injection boxer engines will achieve smooth acceleration equal to or better than that of competing vehicles with 3.5-liter 6-cylinder engines. That is accomplished by adding torque over horsepower because torque is what gets a vehicle moving from a stop and helps in pulling the vehicle up a hill, or when towing. The new fifth-generation model could be powered by a new twin-scroll turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine like the new 2019 Ascent. Look for fuel-mileage to increase to 33 mpg highway and 29 combined mpg.

Conservative design language

The exterior design language will remain conservative with Outback. It’s not surprising design changes will be minor for the new generation of Subaru's Outback because the Japanese automaker doesn’t like to take risks. The new Forester has been criticized for its conservative styling, and it will continue with Outback. The crossover will receive some updates, including a slightly redesigned front end and rear changes to the taillights resembling the new Forester and Ascent stablemates. Customers will benefit from Outback likely getting a wider tailgate opening.

New-generation safety tech

The fifth-generation Outback will likely get the next evolution of Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist system. Subaru says their advanced driver-assist technologies are scheduled for launch around 2020 which would coincide perfectly with the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. Subaru will incorporate further enhancements to EyeSight driver-assist technology, including radar, and highly accurate GPS and navigation systems. The Japanese automaker claims this will allow for automated lane-changes in certain conditions.

Hybrid technology

Reports say the fifth-generation Outback could get hybrid technology. The e-BOXER hybrid system in the 2019 Forester e-Boxer could also be available in the new Outback within the next 18 to 24 months according to reports from Australia. Subaru is launching their first-ever new 2019 Crosstrek plug-in-hybrid this month in the U.S. market. The e-Boxer hybrid system could also be available in the new-generation Outback in early 2020. It’s unsure if it will make U.S. shores, and Subaru has not confirmed whether North American consumers will get these models.

What won’t change

The next-generation 2020 Subaru Outback will keep its core values with a Boxer engine, safety will be a strong point with EyeSight driver assist standard equipment, the SUV will keep its “go-anywhere” attitude with 8.7-inches of ground clearance, all-wheel drive will remain standard on the Outback, and it will retain X-Mode for off-road adventures. When Outback gets the new SGP and arrives next summer, look for the all-new model to be even more popular with active consumers looking for an SUV alternative all-wheel-drive vehicle.

Subaru's newest generation of semi-autonomous driver safety features, Eyesight, to come standard on all 2020 Outbacks, and is likely to include new functions not previously seen on Outback, such as DriverFocus which debuted on the 2019 Forester;

Subaru hasn't made any announcements about engines, but we can make some educated guesses based on the Forester and the Ascent. For many years, the Outback and the Forester have shared the same base engine, a 2.5 liter, four-cylinder Boxer. Output of that engine increases to 182 in the 2019 Forester, so, assuming the Outback continues to share the same engine, we expect the 2020 Outback to get a small increase in output from the current 175 horsepower. The current Outback's optional 250 horsepower 3.6 liter six-cylinder engine, first introduced on the 2008 Tribeca, is no longer state-of-the art, so we expect that big thing to ride off into the sunset. It would seem to make more sense for Subaru to offer the 2.4 liter, direct-injection turbocharged engine that powers the larger Ascent. That 260 horsepower engine zips the two-ton Ascent to 60mph in around 7 seconds so we're excited about the possibility of that engine appearing in the 2020 Outback as an optional mill for those who tow or require some extra go-go. Engines are hugely expensive for manufacturers to develop, which is why you routinely see the same motor in multiple models.

Subaru engineers most of its products, including Outback, on a five year "product cycle." The 2020 Outback will be the first year of a new generation, so expect an all-new 2020 Outback, built on the new, more-rigid and crashworthy "Global Platform" that will eventually underpin almost all of Subaru's vehicles. It will look substantially the same as the current model, but don't let the looks fool you, almost everything will be new.

We expect:
Subaru's newest generation of semi-autonomous driver safety features, Eyesight, to come standard on all 2020 Outbacks, and is likely to include new functions not previously seen on Outback, such as DriverFocus which debuted on the 2019 Forester;
Overall dimensions will remain substantially the same (if you need something bigger, Subaru now produces the Ascent--a larger, three-row crossover)
The appearance will be unmistakeably Outback but will look even more contemporary and solid;
The 2020 Outback will be even more crashworthy thanks to the additional rigidity in the new chassis. This new frame will also deliver a smoother ride and a quieter cabin.
Subaru hasn't made any announcements about engines, but we can make some educated guesses based on the Forester and the Ascent. For many years, the Outback and the Forester have shared the same base engine, a 2.5 liter, four-cylinder Boxer. Output of that engine increases to 182 in the 2019 Forester, so, assuming the Outback continues to share the same engine, we expect the 2020 Outback to get a small increase in output from the current 175 horsepower. The current Outback's optional 250 horsepower 3.6 liter six-cylinder engine, first introduced on the 2008 Tribeca, is no longer state-of-the art, so we expect that big thing to ride off into the sunset. It would seem to make more sense for Subaru to offer the 2.4 liter, direct-injection turbocharged engine that powers the larger Ascent. That 260 horsepower engine zips the two-ton Ascent to 60mph in around 7 seconds so we're excited about the possibility of that engine appearing in the 2020 Outback as an optional mill for those who tow or require some extra go-go. Engines are hugely expensive for manufacturers to develop, which is why you routinely see the same motor in multiple models.

Subaru has not made any official announcements about the 2020 Outback and the foregoing is entirely our speculation based on the patterns of product launches we've observed over the years. We will continue to update this page as Subaru makes announcements.

The Ascent is a pretty solid 7 passenger option. Not sure why you'd want a 7 passenger Outback. That rear seat would be like putting people in the back seat of a 911 or any of the 90's coupes with the 2+2 seating options.

The Ascent is a pretty solid 7 passenger option. Not sure why you'd want a 7 passenger Outback. That rear seat would be like putting people in the back seat of a 911 or any of the 90's coupes with the 2+2 seating options.

To further that point, why would anyone drop 40k on an Outback when they could get an Ascent with the same engine and looks for the same price.

I wonder (interest in) if Subaru will increase the tow ratings for the Outback.

I could see this being a potential possibility if the chassis and suspension allows for it. And I could only see it on the 2.4T engine option. I can see a 5,000lb tow capacity on the 2.4T being a viable option for the Outback. Since it will be an Ascent with an Outback body on it essentially. It would need the tow package with the transmission cooler as well.

To further that point, why would anyone drop 40k on an Outback when they could get an Ascent with the same engine and looks for the same price.

That's a great question.

Outback
$26.5k to $36.7k for the 2.5i
$35k-$39k for the 3.6R's.

Ascent only has the 2.4T and is from $32k to $45k

There's some overlap between models and features. The 2.4T in the Outback will still be in the $35k+ price range. Smack in the middle of the Ascent. I guess it's what you want for creature comforts and seats, given the same power.

The Ascent is a pretty solid 7 passenger option. Not sure why you'd want a 7 passenger Outback. That rear seat would be like putting people in the back seat of a 911 or any of the 90's coupes with the 2+2 seating options.

There have been a number of smaller SUVs with 7 seats - Outlander, Nissan Rogue (I think), Tiguan etc. Definitely a trade off which is why it seems to be going away.

To further that point, why would anyone drop 40k on an Outback when they could get an Ascent with the same engine and looks for the same price.

3rd row is usually a no cost or $500 option on the competition.

Since the 3rd row is really just for occasional use, it would make sense in a vehicle the size of the Outback. Since it's optional, there's really no downside, you want 5 seats, don't get the option. That's how it is with the competition.

An “Adventure Package” or “Parks Package” Outback using oil cooler brakes and sway bars/chassis bars and spring/strut rates from an Ascent would be cool.

It's 500-700 lbs lighter, it may not need that stuff.

I think there's no hope Subaru's going to offer anything not mainstream on the Outback. Don't think you'll see any diffs or sporty bits beyond the orange trim and cosmetic stuff. Which does look really cool on the Forester.